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Arsenal Street Corridor Study Working Group Meeting #2: Summary
January 26, 2016, 9:00 AM, VHB Offices, Center for Education, 101 Walnut Street,
Watertown, MA
Purpose
The purpose of the second working group meeting for the Arsenal Street Corridor Study was to provide
a summary of the Existing Conditions Evaluation and an overview of the ongoing development of Future
No-Build Conditions.
Present
Ethan Britland and Michael Clark, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Office of
Transportation Planning (OTP); Laura Castelli, Elsa Chan, and Niki Hastings, VHB; Emily Christin and Sarah
Paritsky, Regina Villa Associates (RVA); and the following members of the Working Group:
Andreas Aeppli, Resident
Jonathan Bockian, Watertown Public Transit
Task Force (WPTTF)
Peter Centola, Town of Watertown
Pat Connolly, athenahealth
Christine Dwyer, Perkins School for the Blind
Susan Falkoff, Watertown Town Council
Lisa Feltner, Watertown Town Council
Larry Field, Massachusetts Smart Growth
Alliance
Michael Garvin, City of Waltham
Philip Groth, MBTA
John Hawes, Watertown Planning Board
Rep. Jon Hecht, Massachusetts House of
Representatives
Jeff Heidelberg, Boylston Properties
Coriana Hunt Swartz, WPTTF/Flat Earth Theatre
Emily Izzo, Office of Representative Lawn
Erin Kinahan, MassDOT District 6
Raj Kulen, MassDOT District 6
Chris Kuschel, MAPC
Jaimi Lard, Perkins School for the Blind
Mark MacLean, DCR
Steve Magoon, Town of Watertown
Vincent Piccirilli, Watertown Town Council
Melissa Santucci Rozzi, Watertown Zoning
Board of Appeals
Gideon Schreiber, Town of Watertown
Matt Shuman, Town of Watertown
Bill York, Resident
Meeting Summary
Laura Castelli, VHB Project Manager, opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. She introduced
MassDOT Project Manager Michael Clark. Mr. Clark reviewed the agenda, study background and
purpose, and study schedule. He noted that the study is on schedule and this is first of two Working
Group meetings regarding Future No-Build Conditions and Issues Evaluation. Mr. Clark introduced the
study team and led a round of introductions.
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Ms. Castelli presented the Existing Conditions Evaluation for transit. She showed a map of the existing
bus routes in the study area, and a list of connections to Greater Boston that are provided by these bus
routes. She noted that the study team will keep this in mind when developing alternatives.
Ms. Castelli showed a table of service times and frequencies of bus Routes 70 and 70A. Route 70
operates twice as frequently as Route 70A.
Comment: An attendee said there is a rumor that Route 70 has altered its route to accommodate new
destinations like Market Basket. Philip Groth, MBTA, said that is true.
Ms. Castelli summarized the condition of bus stops along the corridor, including nine inbound and ten
outbound stops. She showed maps of the inbound and outbound stops with insets of photographs of
each stop. The sidewalk clearance is generally adequate for the majority of the inbound stops. There are
more obstructions at the outbound stops, such as utility poles. At one outbound stop, the project team
observed people waiting for the bus in the middle of the bicycle path due to the presence of a
construction fence blocking the waiting area.
Ms. Castelli showed a map of the bus stops that have the highest numbers of daily boardings and
alightings. The highest ridership stops are Watertown Yard, Watertown Square, Centre Street in
Newton, and the Watertown and Arsenal Mall. This data may change as ongoing and proposed
developments shape the corridor.
Ms. Castelli reviewed the MBTA’s Service Delivery Policy, which defines the “acceptable levels of
crowding by time period and transportation mode” for all of its services. She explained that Routes 70
and 70A bus service on Arsenal Street meet the Service Delivery Policy’s standards the majority of the
time. A table of weekday maximum average passenger loads for Routes 70 and 70A shows that there are
a few time periods in which not every passenger can have a seat.
Ms. Castelli presented a graphic of the average vehicle loads on MBTA buses along Arsenal Street by
segment for inbound and outbound service. For any load beyond 39 passengers, some passengers must
stand. The average vehicle loads never exceed 54 (the MBTA service limit standard) during peak hours
along the corridor. Ms. Castelli also presented a table of weekday average trip on-time performance by
time period of Routes 70 and 70A along the corridor.
Comment: Mr. Groth explained that as of now, buses that leave early, which is common for buses that
operate in a loop, are considered “not on time.” He said the Service Delivery Policy may change to
allow buses to leave up to one minute early.
Question: Rep. Jon Hecht asked how the Route 70 and Route 70A service day averages compare to
service overall in the MBTA. Mr. Groth and Ms. Castelli said that 70-75% average on-time performance
is the goal, so Routes 70 and 70A are average compared to routes in surrounding communities.
Comment: Susan Falkoff, Watertown Town Council, said that buses leaving early are worse than being
late. Mr. Groth said that the MBTA would not implement a change to the Service Delivery Policy
regarding the allowance of early departures without discussing changes with riders first.
Comment: Jonathan Bockian, WPTTF, said that the averages do not show wait times. He said that the
WPTTF is collecting better data that would be useful. Ms. Castelli noted that the project team is not
just looking at quantitative data, but is also obtaining anecdotal data on the corridor.
Comment: Mr. Groth offered to share granular data with the Working Group.
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Question: Rep. Hecht asked how the project team is considering impacts of new transit options in
their projections. Ms. Castelli said the project team is looking at Central Transportation Planning Staff’s
(CTPS’s) Transit Forecast in 2040, regional traffic studies and developer information, and demographic
data. The team will make assumptions based on current transit use and population data to predict any
increase in transit use.
Question: Larry Field, MA Smart Growth Alliance, asked if the project team is just going to use
aggregated data. Ms. Castelli explained that the team is taking a holistic look at the corridor and will
compare their observations with the sources of data mentioned.
Ms. Castelli presented the Existing Conditions Evaluation for traffic and safety. She showed a map of the
20 intersections along the study corridor from which the data was collected. The team observed vehicles
avoiding an intersection on Arsenal Street by taking Taylor Street. She summarized the findings from the
signal inventory taken from 14 signalized intersections along the corridor and issues were noted at all
locations. The team will release a list of short-term recommendations to resolve these issues.
Ms. Castelli explained that the project team reviewed MassDOT statewide crash data and the District 6
Average Crash Rate (ACR). She showed a map of the top crash locations along the corridor. One of the
state’s top 200 crash intersections is in the study corridor (Galen Street/Nonantum Road/Watertown
Street). There are several crash clusters within the corridor that are Highway Safety Improvement
Program (HSIP) eligible, such as the unsafe pedestrian crossing in the Watertown Square area. Ms.
Castelli noted that the most recent MassDOT crash data is from 2011-2013, but newer crash data from
other sources (Watertown Police Department) is similar. She summarized the locations within the study
corridor that exceed the District 6 ACR, and the majority of crashes appear not to be caused by speed or
weather.
Ms. Castelli presented the traffic count data observed by project staff on the corridor and traffic
cameras. She showed maps of turning movements and traffic volumes during AM and PM peak hours,
and a table of daily traffic counts. Watertown Square has the highest traffic volumes. Ms. Castelli
explained that the project team uses a VISSIM model to analyze traffic patterns. VISSIM is a simulation
computer software that can track delays and show the interaction between vehicles, bicycles, and
pedestrians.
Ms. Castelli reviewed the Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) for evaluating traffic. The two main MOE are
delays and queues, which are not always related. Ms. Castelli showed a map of intersection operations
along the corridor. Birmingham Parkway and Watertown Square are the most congested areas in the
corridor with the lowest Level of Service (LOS). She provided images of sample average traffic queues in
Watertown Square and Birmingham Parkway.
Question: Steve Magoon, Town of Watertown asked how cut-through traffic is measured for traffic
volume data. Ms. Castelli said that there is no quantifiable data for cut-through traffic, but the project
team will consider the routes that drivers are taking to avoid segments of Arsenal Street (such as using
School Street, Taylor Street, Louise Street, and Beechwood Avenue) during the alternatives
development. Ms. Castelli said the team’s goal is not to discourage drivers from doing this, but rather to
encourage them not to and to take Arsenal Street instead.
Comment: Peter Centola, Town of Watertown, said that there are many intersections with a “no turn
on red” restriction that are unnecessary. Ms. Castelli thanked him for his comments.
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Question: Mr. Bockian asked if it is too late for the team to include Greenough Boulevard and North
Beacon Street in the study. Ms. Castelli said yes, it is too late, but the team will be able to observe
traffic on these streets at a qualitative level.
Ms. Castelli presented the Existing Conditions Evaluation for bicycles and pedestrians. Most of the
sidewalks in the corridor are in good condition, with some areas of deficiencies. Wheelchair ramps were
inventoried along the corridor. There are many ramps that can be made ADA compliant with short-term
fixes. Ms. Castelli showed a map of bicycle paths and lanes on and near the study corridor. She also
showed turning movement and traffic volume data for bicycles and pedestrians during morning and
evening peak hours.
Question: A participant asked what percentage of the total traffic volume data included bicycles and
pedestrians. Ms. Castelli and Ms. Chan were not certain, but estimated a very low percentage, probably
1% for bicycles and 2-3% for pedestrians. Most bike and pedestrian traffic is crossing the study area.
Question: Rep. Hecht asked if bicycle and pedestrian numbers include those who use the community
path. Ms. Castelli said no, but the team could place a counter on the path.
Question: Rep. Hecht asked if the crash data include accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
Ms. Castelli said yes. Any accident involving a vehicle reported to the police or the Registry of Motor
Vehicles is included in the data. Pedestrian/bicycle crashes are often not included if they did not involve
personal injury.
Comment: Mr. Magoon commented that the volume of pedestrian and bike traffic is so low because
there is not much incentive for them on the corridor. The team could consider creating more
opportunities for them in the alternatives development. Ms. Castelli agreed and noted that the
residential and commercial development along the corridor may change these numbers as well.
Ms. Castelli reviewed ongoing improvements to bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, such as the
Greenough Boulevard Riverfront Park Restoration and the Watertown Community Path.
Ms. Castelli presented the Existing Conditions Evaluation for the socioeconomics and demographics of
the corridor. She reviewed population and employment data, the top locations where Watertown
residents travel to work, and locations from where Watertown employees are traveling. Ms. Castelli
noted that current trends indicate there will continue to be a shift in employment from manufacturing
and industrial jobs to office, research & development, and service jobs. Ms. Castelli showed pie charts of
the transportation modes used by Watertown residents and workers. The vast majority drive alone to
work. Ms. Castelli showed a map of the current land use in the study area, which shows the boundaries
for the population data used by the project team.
Ms. Castelli reviewed the limited environmental resources and constraints along the corridor, and stated
that none are expected to have a significant effect on the alternatives development.
Question: Mr. Bockian asked if demographics of the corridor, including age, have an effect on the
study. Ms. Castelli said yes, and explained that age tends to influence transit use.
Ms. Castelli summarized the available public health data. The data available is being used to create a
baseline health profile that will be considered during alternatives development, with the goal of
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improving public health. She reviewed the various public health barriers facing the study area residents
based on the existing built environments.
Ms. Castelli presented the data sources that are used in the 2040 Future Conditions report, and the
development projects on and near the corridor that are being considered. She explained that the next
Working Group meeting will focus more on the 2040 Future Conditions.
Ms. Castelli reviewed the Next Steps for the project, and noted the upcoming public meeting to be
scheduled in February. The next Working Group meeting will be in early spring.
Question & Answer Session
Comment: Gideon Schreiber, Town of Watertown, suggested adding the residential development on
the corridor to the Development Projects map and slide. Ms. Castelli thanked him for his comment.
Question: Andreas Aeppli asked if the study is looking at the potential for future development. Ms.
Castelli said that RKG is taking a broad look at the corridor in its land use/economic analysis and will
include what could happen in the future, but VHB is focused on what is already slated to happen.
Question: A participant asked if the study has the capacity for different future conditions scenarios.
Ms. Castelli said there will only be one 2040 land use condition analysis.
Comment: Mr. Field said that study should definitely develop different scenarios for future conditions.
Ms. Castelli said the team will be cautious and assume more will happen rather than less. VHB will take
land use and zoning information into consideration. Mr. Heidelberg stated that Boylston Properties has
data that he could share with Ms. Castelli.
Question: Ms. Falkoff asked what happens after the implementation of short-term recommendations,
and who is accountable for implementing them. Ms. Castelli said the project will continue with
alternatives analysis. Short-term recommendations can be implemented more quickly. Ms. Castelli
believes the Town of Watertown would be accountable. Mr. Magoon said the Town will have these
conversations with MassDOT in the near future.
Question: Mr. Magoon asked if the study is considering technology changes, such as self-driving cars.
Ms. Castelli said yes, the alternatives development will consider possible effects of technology changes.
Most of the alternatives will be focus on improvements to transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. The
roadway capacity on Arsenal Street is limited, so expanding the road will probably not be viable.
Question: Mr. Bockian asked if the study is considering the impact on Arsenal Street if the Arsenal
Street Bridge were to undergo reconstruction. Ms. Castelli said she has not heard of any plans to
reconstruct the bridge, but if that were to happen it would primarily be a traffic management challenge,
and would likely not change the capacity of the bridge.
Question: Rep. Hecht said the Arsenal Street Bridge is a nightmare for bicycles and pedestrians, and
asked if there would be a future analysis for the Western Avenue side of the bridge. Ms. Castelli said
the study team is aware of the poor bike and pedestrian conditions on the bridge. The study will be in
touch with all surrounding communities to share current development plans, but will not ask each
community what might happen in the future. She noted a representative of the Town of Waltham is
present.
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Comment: Rep. Hecht suggested that the study invite Harvard and the City of Cambridge to be
involved in the study. Ms. Castelli thanked him for his comment.
Question: Melissa Santucci Rozzi, Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals, asked if there is background
growth data available. Ms. Castelli said the study team is taking a very realistic look at growth, which is
why they are using three different sources.
Question: Ms. Izzo asked if the study is considering eliminating some of the stops on Route 70 and
70A. Ms. Castelli said stop consolidation and traffic signal reconfiguration will be explored more
thoroughly during alternatives development. Mr. Groth and Ms. Castelli explained that accessibility is an
impediment to removing or consolidating stops.
Comment: Christine Dwyer and Jami Lard, Perkins School for the Blind, commented that there are
drainage problems by the Arsenal Mall bus stop that are impeding accessibility to wheelchairs. Ms.
Castelli thanked them for the comment, and said the study team has shared their findings from the
wheelchair ramp inventory with the Town of Watertown on what needs to be fixed.
Question: A participant asked why 75% is the MBTA standard for on-time service. Ms. Castelli
explained this is to account for unpredictability. Mr. Groth stated that this standard is measured
differently for buses and rapid transit. Vincent Piccirilli, Watertown Town Council, commented that the
MBTA should change their metrics and measure what the average customer would want from its service
in order to enact changes in mode choice.
Question: An attendee asked what will be covered at the first public meeting. Ms. Castelli said the
presentation will cover a high level existing conditions report. The team will ask the participants to
decide what is important to them.
Question: Ms. Santucci-Rozzi asked if there is historic data the study can use to observe a change in
different modes. Ms. Castelli said there is not much data available regarding bicycle and pedestrian
growth that is older than what the team is currently using.
Comment: Mr. Field suggested that the team present counts of boardings and alightings along Arsenal
Street at the public meeting. Ms. Castelli thanked him for his comment.
Ms. Castelli and Mr. Clark thanked the Working Group for attending and concluded the meeting.
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Arsenal Street Corridor Study Working Group
January 26, 2016